The government is running many schemes to pave the way for opportunities.... There is no dearth of opportunities today to enhance skills.

The need for continuous development of skills in the rapidly changing job scenario cannot be denied. If you want to stay ahead in your career as a professional, you have to commit to learning and upskilling. To promote this, the Government of India has also launched many skill development programs. National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is one such effort. It is a non-profit organization of Government of India and private units. It has taken several initiatives for upskilling. Let us look at them one by one.

1. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana: This is the flagship project of NSDC. It has been envisioned to teach youth skills relevant to industries, so as to increase their employability. Its successful candidates get financial benefits and placement assistance along with skills.

2. Employment Fair: Employment fairs are organized under many programs of NSDC. These events act as a bridge between job seekers and employers. This creates many opportunities for job placements.

3. Pradhan Mantri Skill Centers: These teach industry-specific skills to individuals. These training centers and labs are the bastion of skill development and they ensure that the person coming out of here is fully prepared to get employment.

4. Capacity Building Scheme: It focuses on enhancing the capabilities of trainers and developing necessary infrastructure. If the trainer is efficient then the workforce will also be efficient.

5. Udaan: Udaan is a ray of hope for the youth of Kashmir. It provides job opportunities by providing skill-development training in the valley.

6. India International Skill Centres: Its aim is to make Indian youth competitive in the global job market by providing them international level skill training.  Remember that local skills are not enough for the global economy.

7. Pre-departure Orientation Training: This is very important for Indian workers who are preparing to go abroad for employment.  It provides orientation and skills development to ensure that they are fully prepared when they start working abroad.

8. Education Meets Employability: These are schemes for schools and higher education.  Their goal is to bridge the gap between education and employability.  For this, they provide employment-oriented skills to the students and introduce them to industry trends.  This allows them to enter the workforce with more confidence.

 Inclusion of technology in skill development provides an opportunity to learn tech-savvy skills, which is essential in today's digital economy.  It will be necessary for jobs to adapt to technological changes.

Parallel to NSDC, the Directorate General of Training (DGT) has also run many programs, which include Craftsmen Training Scheme, Crafts Instructor Training Scheme, Apprenticeship Training, Advanced Vocational Training Scheme, Vocational Training Program for Women etc.  Other initiatives include Pradhan Mantri Yuva Yojana, Skill Loan Scheme, Indian Institute of Skills (IISS), Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP).  The inclusion of technology in skill development programs provides participants with the opportunity to learn tech-savvy skills, which is essential in today's digital economy.  If you want to make yourself eligible for employment, then it will be necessary to adapt yourself to the technological changes.

Your commitment to continually learning and developing your skills as a professional is in line with these initiatives.  It is not just about getting employment, it is also about continuously progressing in the rapidly changing job market.  Take advantage of these opportunities and invest in your skills.  The results of the above schemes have been concrete and effective.  According to the Economic Survey 2022-23, more than 1.1 crore people have been trained under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana alone, out of which 21.4 lakh are working successfully in various sectors.